Unexpected Guests

The family I live with Back Yard

Spring in Azerbaijan

Since the earthquake (we had a lot of aftershocks), the family I am living with slept outside for three nights because they were so frightened.  Our Country Director came to Zaqatala to survey the damage of all the volunteers in the region.  They came to my house and saw the cracks but they were not threatening the infra structure.  Later that day they called and we went out to dinner and after we went out to the village of Dansci where another PCV lived.  She had cracks about 1-1 1/2 inches wide going down each side of the wall (and there were beams in the back holding the wall in place!!) and a huge crack going across the wall, her damage was extensive.  She needs to find another place to live. Another substantial earthquake and that building is going down.  I would sleep outside if I were living there! We also have been having severe weather, heavy rains, thunder and lightening and then in the afternoon, 80 degrees sunshine.  They have cancelled school for the whole week.  Because of all this crazy stuff, I have had critters that are not welcome in my place. My box from home was on the counter and I heard something move inside of it.  As I was checking it out a large black cockroach or beetle came running out, and of course I jumped and he got away. The next morning as I was drinking coffee, I heard something (thinking it was the bug) and looked over to my cupboard and saw this mouse climbing up along the side (how do they climb without a ladder?), I ran out and got the mom of the family to see it.  That mouse just stood there not moving, was he taking a stand? Myrna came in and that mouse ran.  I put everything in plastic bags and tape the cabinet close.  Maybe he will just go away.  I do not want a roommate!  The next morning I woke up hearing a rustling sound.  I got up and looked around and could not find where it came from.  I sat down for coffee and heard the rustling again, "oh no", he is in the trash can.  I slowly picked up the garbage can, opened the door and yelled "mouse" (as if they understood me!) and that little guy came barrelling out of there and just started running.  The mom had a broom in her hand and started chasing it, I on the other hand, ran back into my place and slam the door, didn't want him to come back in!   He got away, he is somewhere in our garage/kitchen but he is NOT in my place anymore.  Never a dull week here!!!!

Life Challenge: With the new day, comes new strength and new thoughts... Eleanor Roosevelt